Christian convention disrupted in Madhya Pradesh

An annual convention organized by the Pentecostal Church in Madhya Pradesh was recently disrupted when armed Dharma Sena (Hindu fundamentalist outfit) activists forcibly stormed into the venue and began harassing the organizers.

Around 350 Christians who had assembled for the 53rd annual convention in Khamaria, Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, were assaulted and threatened on October 10 by the Hindu activists who accused them of converting Hindus.

Chanting anti–Christian slogans, the activists manhandled the organizers accusing them of using force to convert Hindus living in the neighbourhood to Christianity. The activists reportedly attempted to tear down the banners of the programmes displayed at the premises and threatened the Christians with dire consequences if they were spotted again in the neighbourhood.

However, there were about 10 policemen on duty who tried to bring the situation under control by warning the attackers to disperse peacefully. When the activists refused to do so, threatening to bomb the venue if the organizers continued with the programme, the policemen were compelled to take them to the police station where the activists filed a complaint against Rev. Augustine Rao of Pentecostal Church and his congregation accusing them of converting Hindus in the area en masse.

However, when contacted by All India Christian Council (AICC) leader Saji Abraham, Amarinder Singh, the CSP of Jabalpur assured that the convention would continue as scheduled.

According to news reports, the convention carried on peacefully and ended successfully on October 15 with many people committing themselves to the Lord.